🔗 Share this article

During his New Year's Eve message, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that a possible peace deal was ninety percent prepared. "This deal is 90 percent complete, ten percent is left," he said. "And that is much more than just numbers."

An Agreement Needs Robust Assurances, Not a Weak Ceasefire

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine seeks an end to the war but not at "any cost". "What is it that our nation desires? An end to hostilities? Yes. No matter the price? Certainly not," he declared. "We want an end to the conflict but not the end of our country."

"Is the nation exhausted? Very. Does that imply we are prepared to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed doubt about Russian intentions, suggesting that even if forces withdrew from the eastern Donbas, the war would not necessarily end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he commented.

EU Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Security

Separately, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced that European allies and partners gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm pledges towards protecting Ukraine after any peace deal with Moscow is reached.

Cross-Border Strikes Reported

At the same time, accounts of military actions continued. A source from Kyiv's SBU said that Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a large blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched drone attack struck apartment buildings and the power grid in Odesa, wounding six people, including minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were affected and significant damage was caused to a couple of power facilities.

Contested Allegations Over Drone Incident

Concerning recent claims of a UAV attack targeting a residence of Russian leader, US and European officials agree that Ukrainian forces was not behind the incident. An article stated that US national security agencies determined the reported incident "never occurred".

In response, Russia's defence ministry published a footage purporting to show fragments of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. A Ukrainian foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and suggested it demonstrated a lack of seriousness in fabricating the narrative.

European Diplomat Labels Allegations a "Distraction"

Kaja Kallas called Russia's assertions "an intentional distraction". "No one should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she said.

Additional Updates

• North Korean Involvement: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, according to state media hailed troops serving in an "alien territory" in a new year's message. Reports suggest the country has sent thousands of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Restrictions Reprieve: The US have reportedly given a short-term reprieve from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity manages Serbia's only refinery.